Plant Foods for Protein, Carbohydrates and Fiber:

• Legumes & lentils• Nuts & seeds• Whole-grain cereals• Fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit• Fresh, frozen, dried and canned vegetables• White converted, brown and wild rice• Whole grain and vegetable pasta

High Protein Foods:• Eggs• Meat, poultry and fish• Beans, legumes, nuts and seeds• Cheese• Milk, cream, powdered milk• Yogurt and cottage cheese

High Calorie Foods:• Butter• Half and half, whipping cream, heavy cream• Regular mayonnaise and salad dressing• Jam, jelly and honey

Nutritional Guidelines & Healthy Tips

Spring

• Healthy foods to keep you strong

• What to eat when experiencing common side effects from breast cancer treatment

• Simple, seasonal recipes

Shopping ListStay Hydrated!

Pamphlet prepared with assistance from the Nutrition Department at

Atrius Health

Staying hydrated is very important while you’re receiving breast cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can cause

dehydration. Other treatment side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea, can

cause you to become dehydrated, too.

Additional tips

How much?

Combat dehydration

What to drink?

Drink caffeine in moderation, as it will flush water out of your system. Add fruit or vegetables like citris and cucumbers to enhance the taste of plain water. Log your daily water intake, making note if you experience vomiting or diarrhea.

A good goal is to drink 8-12 glasses of water (8 ounces each) every day. Don’t rely on feeling thirsty to know when to drink water. You may not feel thirsty until you’ve already lost quite a bit of water, so try to drink throughout the day.

If you’re mildly dehydrat-ed, keep the following in mind: Don’t drink too fast, sip fluids slowly. Suck on ice chips. Eat foods with lots of fluids, like watermelon, cucumbers or soup. Apply lip balm and lotion to moisturize skin.

Water is the best option for hydration, but the following can also be included: milk, juice, low sugar sports drinks, decaf coffee and teas and coconut water.

Consult your medical professional(s) before changing your diet.

• Eat 5 or 6 small meals and snacks each day.• Plan your meals/snacks ahead and try to eat every 2-3 hours. • Keep nutritious snacks handy, such as yogurt, cereal and milk, peanut butter, hard-boiled eggs, soups, cheese and crackers, granola, ice cream and pudding. • Nutritional supplements such as liquid meal replacements may also be helpful.• Talk to your medical team for suggestions on which nutritional supplements would be best for you.

• Being less active, eating or drinking less or taking certain medications can cause constipation.• Eat at regular times each day.• Eat foods with a lot of fiber such as wheat bran, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, popcorn and dried beans. • Take in 64 ounces of fluids each day.• Discuss a high-fiber diet with your medical team to make sure it is best for you.

• Eat and use sugar-free lemon drops, gum or mints.• Use spices and eat with plastic utensils rather than metal flatware. • Add sweeteners to foods that are too salty, bitter or sour.• Eat a variety of protein-rich foods like poultry, eggs, fish, dairy and beans.• Blend fruits into shakes, smoothies or ice cream and drink from a straw.• Rinse your mouth regularly with a solution of 1 quart water, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

Constipation

Poor Appetite

• Uncontrolled diarrhea can lead to weakness, poor appetite, dehydration and weight loss. • Make sure to drink plenty of mild, clear liquids during the day. • Non-caffeinated beverages at room temperature are the easiest to tolerate. • Drink at least 1 cup of liquid after each loose bowel movement. • Drink and eat high-sodium foods, high potassium foods and foods high in pectin, such as applesauce.

Diarrhea

Changes in Taste & Smell

Green Tea SmoothieMakes 1 serving.

Ingredients:• 1 cup peaches• 1/2 banana• 1 handful spinach• 1 teaspoon honey• 1 cup brewed green tea, chilled• Ice cubesDirections:1. Blend all ingredients until desired consistency; add ice cubes if needed.2. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate to drink later.

Chicken with Tomatoes, Feta, Peppers and Olives

Makes 8 servings. Ingredients:• Greek seasoning- 2 teaspoons each of the following: garlic salt, lemon pepper, oregano, dried mint• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces• 1/4 cup flour• 1 teaspoon olive oil• 1 large onion, sliced• 1 green pepper, cored and sliced• 3 Roma tomatoes, cut into eighths• 3 tablespoons Kalamata olives, chopped• 3 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled

Directions:1. Coat chicken in flour mixed with 4 tablespoons of the prepared Greek seasoning.2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, saute 3-4 minutes. 3. Remove chicken from pan. 4. Add onion to skillet and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook another 2 minutes.5. Return chicken to skillet and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining Greek seasoning. Mix in tomatoes.6. Remove from heat, transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with olives and feta.